WIRE: Los Angeles medical marijuana trade group launches website

LOS ANGELES — UCBA Trade Association (UCBA), the trade association of Proposition D compliant medical marijuana dispensaries operating legally within the City of Los Angeles, has launched a new website, www.ucbatradeassn.com. The association’s charter members include nearly 50 of the 135 legally authorized medical marijuana dispensaries in the City of Los Angeles.

In 2013, 63% of Los Angeles voters approved Proposition D, which granted a limited immunity to 135 medical marijuana dispensaries. Since the passage of Proposition D, the number of illegal marijuana operations has increased to what some estimate to be over 1,000 shops. Many of the illegal operations are open within close proximity to schools, churches and parks, which is illegal under Proposition D. Additionally, few, if any illegal dispensaries pay state and local sales taxes or City of Los Angeles gross receipts taxes.

“The UCBA and our members appreciate the work the City has done to require greater accountability from the industry, by increasing business transparency and reducing the number of illegally operating dispensaries in the City. Just like any other business, legal medical marijuana dispensaries value a system that rewards compliance and are pleased that the City is making efforts to shut down illegal operations,” noted Kiloh.

UCBA is working closely with UFCW Local 770 and the Los Angeles City Council in an effort to craft an initiative that will afford licensing by the City of Los Angeles to Proposition D medical marijuana dispensaries. The ultimate goal is to bring Los Angeles in line with the Medical Marijuana Regulation and Safety Act that was passed by the California Legislature last fall and became effective January 1, 2016.